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U.S. Meat Exports Continue Growth

Beef and pork see double digit percentage gains in both volume and value.

Apr 13, 2011

According to statistics compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the positive trend for U.S. beef and pork exports continued in February, with an increasingly large portion of total U.S. production going to international customers while returning more revenue to America's red meat industry.

Exports of U.S. pork in February reached 172,022 metric tons valued at $434.4 million. For the first two months of 2011, those totals are 337,160 metric tons valued at $831.3 million, increases of 11% in volume and 17% in value. Exports of U.S. beef in February reached 89,787 metric tons valued at $371.7 million. For the first two months of 2011, those totals are 179,460 metric tons valued at $727.3 million, increases of 24% in volume and 45% in value.

For the month of February, 27% of U.S. pork production was sold outside of the United States with the incremental value of exports reaching $51.48 per head – versus 25.2% and $43.81 last year. Total pork exports jumped 15% in value and 8% in volume versus February 2010 totals.

At the same time, U.S. beef exports in February accounted for 12.9% of total production versus 10.6% last year at this time, and the incremental value of beef exports per head of fed slaughter reached $182.12, compared to $126.50 last year. For the month, total beef exports were up 47.2% in value and 25% in volume over year-ago levels.

Mexico, Japan, the Hong Kong/China region, South Korea and Canada remain the top five export markets for U.S. Pork. In Japan, the leading value market for U.S. pork, exports were up 19% in volume and 17% in value for the first two months of 2011. In Mexico, the modest 5% decline in export volume and 3% slip in value from year-ago levels is understandable as higher U.S. pork prices limit growth potential.

Mexico, South Korea, Canada, the Middle East and Japan are the top five export markets for U.S. beef. Mexico leads the way in volume and value, importing 40,542 metric tons valued at $151.6 million, increases of 3% in volume and 22% in value over last year as this key market continues its rebound from the global economic slump.

USMEF reports exports of U.S. lamb continue to be higher in volume but lower in value versus year-ago levels. Two-month totals show 2,621 metric tons exported valued at just under $4 million, a 10% dip. Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean are the top export markets.